Rita M. Benoit, 100

LACONIA — Rita M. Benoit, 100, passed away on May 5, 2026, at Belknap County Nursing Home, Laconia.

Rita was born on May 12, 1925, in Laconia, the daughter of Arthur and Beatrice (Paquette) Lagueux.

She worked at the Laconia Mill as a seamstress during World War II. She enjoyed crocheting, playing the piano, and playing Bingo. Rita and her husband enjoyed playing golf together.

Rita is survived by her sons, Edward W. Benoit Jr. and his wife Jill of Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, and Allan A. Benoit of Laconia; daughter Lynne Marie Santy and her husband Preston of Sunapee; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Rita is predeceased by her beloved husband Edward W. Benoit Sr., in 2006; brothers Emile A. Lagueux, Raymond L. Lagueux, Phillip A. Lagueux and Norman Laguex; and a baby sister.

A calling hour will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday, May 11, at the St. Andre Bessette Parish - Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Ave.

Following the calling hour, a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., on Monday, May 11, also at the church.

A graveside service will be held in the family lot at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 13, at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Garfield Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rita’s name may be made to Franklin VNA and Hospice, 75 Chestnut St., Franklin, NH 03235.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.